In case you're better prepared for Black Friday-Cyber-Monday -than the regular holiday get togethers...beverage -wise...written below are some tips for liquid cheers-that enhance the usual cold weather fare.
TRY WHITE WINES:
Go for the fuller-bolder-more mineral-acidic -kind of white wine...made easier by selecting from certain regions.
Our go to is typically from the Rhone area, or-for wood-buttery leanings- California Chardonnays-but Italian whites-from-the Lugano DOC Lake Garda-Lombardy region -noted for its clay soil are drink now worthy and slowly being discovered here.
Added Plus:
MANY good values exist-all made from the Turbiana white grape- aged in steel-some with oaky hints (with added wood cask time)= fresh, approachable wines,
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| At a recent tasting-BROLETTINO Cà dei Frati-Reserve 2017 (we found online $26.99) was the FAV of several restaurant owners (and us-bottle pictured up top)."Deliciously complex" -with of oak courtesy of aging starting in steel but finishing off in barrels. Can taste the balsamic acidity + fresh ripe fruits... makes this an excellent choice- paired up with typical heartier winter eats (soups, stews, pastas-dishes with creamy white sauces)-as well as snacks-spicy appetizers served up at parties. The same producer's I Fraté -2018-is good too-with minimum of 6 months is stainless steel-fresh elegant-almond-floral notes- ranges in retail from $15-18. FYI-like many Lugano area wine growers- Cà dei Frati- is family owned (since 1782!!!)...small production-and worth seeking out! |
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| On the right-Nunzio Ghiraldi's LUGANO Il Guccione 2018 full body made from Turbianno grape. Mineral-y flavor-this very affordable white ($11-12) has fresh acidic taste courtesy of clay soil. Cheese board worthy -great big crowd choice. On the left-the SANT' ONORATA Lugana 1953-(2017) features hand picked, 60 years' old vineyard grapes-fresh citrus and dry floral notes-with licorice subtleness. Elegant finish and polished-pale yellow color that doesn't suggest how wonderful the taste is-in a way. Aged a year at least-in stainless steel-and three in the bottle. FYI -for a sophisticated mouthful it retails at a nice price -around $25-$28- if one can find it on this side of the Pond. |
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| MONTONALE-2018 is a winning fresh- medium body white wine-with floral +ripe fruit flavors -with a distinct mineral hit-wet stone-or granite really shining through. FYI-a positive thing-as it makes the finish-memorable. An easy to pair with food choice...plus it is imported by Vias Wine Importers-so it can be found stateside-$17-$18/bottle. |